Thanks are due to the many individuals Catholics in the Diocese who undertake interfaith work, known and unknown – we offer support and encourage them to link with us. The main thrust of work is to continue to encourage the inclusion of interfaith relations into every aspect of the life and mission of the Diocese and its parishes.

1. Commission Meetings: The last AGM (Nov 5^th 2005) took up the theme of interfaith relations post 7/7. Sr Vivien Bowman and Cath Mahoney spoke from the grassroots and then Dr Philip Lewis (Director of the Bradford Churches for Dialogue and Diversity) led us in a discussion about interfaith relations in the light of the bombing. The meeting attracted some 30 folk and was particularly valuable.  
2. The Commission Committee met 6 times during the year on the third Wed of each alternate month (Jan, March, May, July, Sept and November) alternatively at Hinsley Hall and at 55 Arncliffe Road, Bradford BD7 2DG. These meetings really are open to anyone to attend. Dates for 2007: January 17^th at Hinsley Hall;  21 March at 55 Arncliffe Terr; 16 May at Hinsley Hall; 18 July at 55 Arncliffe Terr; 19 September at Hinsley Hall; 21 Nov at Arncliffe Terr. But always check with DJ (01274 581094) first!
3. Liz Hanney continues to edit the Newsletter. Thanks are due to Liz again for this work. We continue to expand the mailing list – if you want to receive the newsletter– leave your details with us. She is in her second and final year of the MA in Religious Studies at Leeds University.
4. The Catholic Post contains the “Interfaith News” column each month. If you have an issue worth airing send it to DJ for consideration. Our website is nearing final set up.
5. The course “Dialogue in Action” ran very successfully over 5 weeks at the Pastoral Centre in Sheffield at the invitation of Fr Don Stoker. He hopes to set up a Diocesan Interfaith Group.
6. The Columba Community holds interfaith prayers on the 11^th of each month – now at the Khidmat Centre.
7. Bradford Churches for Dialogue and Diversity will meet members of the Catholic community in January 2007 to review how it can aid parishes, laity and clergy develop interfaith mission.
8. We wish to strengthen links with Catholics who serve on local authority Faith Councils. If you are involved with any local inter Faith Councils or would like to be – let us have your name. A Home Office grant is available to meet costs incurred.
9. In March we produced a Power Point presentation for schools and parishes: “Prayer and the Use of Scripture in Other Faiths” to link in with the Diocesan programme “Come and See”. Anyone heard of any reactions?

Diary – a selection of activities month by month:

v      Nov 2005: Discussed interfaith relations with the Friars of Renewal in Bradford; attended “deepening Dialogue evening in Beeston, Leeds.

v      Dec: Visited Syria with the Srs of St Paul; series of meetings to discuss possible city centre ecumenical and interfaith “presence” in rebuilt Bradford.

v      Jan 2006: visited Immingham Port Chaplain and supplied Muslim resources box; hosted Ushaw Deacons in Bradford; attended launch of the Christian Muslim Forum at Lambeth; attended Holocaust memorial events Bradford / Leeds.

v      Feb: Attended conference on Interfaith Marriages at Liverpool Hope University.

v      March: with Mgr Steele gave papers at annual national Interfaith Coordinators meeting in Oxford.

v      May: Commission meeting – visit to the Trident Project Faiths Panel in Bradford (Sr Julie).

v      June: Assisted in training day for prospective Deacons; attended Foreign Office interfaith reception.

v      July: Keighley and Bradford Interfaith and goodwill canal walks; Poetry for Peace event in Bradford.

v      Sept: “Prayer as meeting” Christian / Muslim gathering in York. Excellent - unfazed by reports of Regensberg.

v      Oct: Meeting with Bishop Arthur.  He listened carefully and spoke warmly about the importance of our work.

v      Nov: Accompanied Jewish representative at re-opening of St Anne’s Cathedral; with Mgr Steele delivered interfaith papers at weekend meeting of the Seminary Staff Association; met Taize Prior and brothers; hosted visit with Touchstone of John Esposito (Islamic expert) of Georgetown University USA.

David Jackson.  Diocesan Interreligious Coordinator (Dec 2006)